Norilsk on TV

[Quasimoto]

There is a TV show on tonight on some PBS stations on Norilsk, and stalags there.

Steve

[Quasimoto]

... in response to Norilsk on TV, posted by Quasimoto on Apr 10, 2002

As it turned out the program was about the collapse of communisism and economies in the 90's that were strangled by dictatorships as well. It was about 1/2 about Russia and the rest about China and South American nations. It was interesting that Yeltsin was blamed for most of the Oligarch corruption that took place after his election. It appears he traded most of the prominent and effective industries for fundraising re-election money. I always told people he was a puppet of the mafia, and most told me I was wrong. The truth is I never knew the facts. It was just a hunch. But the show showed how he did it, in effect keeping the communists in charge of the bounty while the political structure changed.

The show also gave Putin credit for changing the laws to some degree and ending most of the industrial corruption, though some still exists on the regional and local level.

USA Today had an article yesterday that warned about investment in Russia. The should include Ukraine. The owner of Scope Travel (I think it is a female) built a hotel in Ivano-Frankovisk, in a joint incorporated venture, and the the local director forged documents, replacing the original public records, to claim ownership of the property, completely excluding and defrauding the American investor.

"Doing business in Ukraine is not easy - and I would say impossible. Business contracts, financial kickbacks and criminal activity and politics go hand in hand, "its not WHAT you know, but WHO you pay off" becomes the law of its business jungle."  Marijka Helbig

The same thing has happened in Archangelsk and Vladimir areas where industries worth up to $5 billion have been pirated by local authorities, defrauding American, British, and Canadain investors. The US seems to be taking the majority of the financial hits.

Steve

[Dan]

... in response to Re: Follow-up, posted by Quasimoto on Apr 11, 2002

Take a look at how the minority partners of Wellcom (mobile telephone network operator in Ukraine) managed to leverage their initial funding partners (Koreans) from ownership of the company once it was firmly established and underway.

There are numerous stories of such corrupt behaviors.

Sad to hear about the STI people. When I first started traveling to Ukraine, I often used Scope's visa services.

- Dan

[Quasimoto]

... in response to Don't Forget the Koreans . . ., posted by Dan on Apr 12, 2002

I guess the old Communist mentality, of theft and muscle is live and well. Too bad for them, as any smart investor would look elsewhere. Let them shoot themselves in the foot.

Steve

[wsbill]

... in response to Re: Don't Forget the Koreans . . ., posted by Quasimoto on Apr 12, 2002

Because in the Capitalist world it's all about exploiting markets that will work for less wages and selling to people at a inflated cost.

Don't tell me bribery is no in America.  It's still alive and well.

[Quasimoto]

... in response to Re:  That's not a very good compairson, posted by wsbill on Apr 13, 2002

wsBill,

I am buying a truck-load of sheep this week. I have been promised and seen through my own observation that they eat less grass, and produce more wool. Would you like to buy one? Now, keep in mind that if you say "NO", I am going to spread the word among the sheep that you like women!!!!!!

Steve